Xanax and, later, alcohol

[manicxanax]

I've been taking xanax regularly for the past couple of months now.  I take 4 .5 tabs a day, amounting to a total of 2 mg a day.  

I know you're not supposed to mix xanax an alcohol at the same time, but is it okay to drink alcohol if I haven't taken a xanax in a few hours?  

[serephina]

Not really enough info cause all the documentation I can read up about Xanax lead me to believe you should abstain from alcohol.  It's a hard call cause it depends on whether you have had an alcohol dependancy prior and possible liver damage, can also affect your kidneys, but it is important, as you probably know, not to suddenly stop Xanax - you must be weaned off it.  Cause it is to relieve anxiety and nervous tension and possibly has some antidepressant activity you would be counteracting its effectiveness with alcohol being a depressant.  I would say ask your doctor to make sure your safe.  How long are you going to be on it, cause my sources say usual duration is several days to several weeks.  Avoid prolonged and uninterrupted use.  Continual use should not exceed 8 weeks without evaluation by your doctor.  I am not too up on this but I am sure there will be someone on site that will help you cause they are an incredibly nice bunch of people with heaps of advice that is good.  I would say alot of factors will come in to it - eg. what you weigh, are you taking any other medication etc.  Good luck and hope you can enjoy that drink without harming yourself!!
Off to bed now - cause late here in Oz

[rooftrash]

I wouldn't! The combination can slow your breathing.If you fall asleep you can forget to breathe and that is how it can KILL you.Especially if you have it built up in your system.You may be fine one day doing it.DEAD the next.Like Russian roulette.God Bless
                      Bruce

[serephina]

Hey maniac listen to rooftrash cause he knows what he's talking about.  I reckon stick with what Bruce is telling you cause he's in the know and also contact DuchessGolden cause she had addiction to Xanax and other stuff so she's in the know also.
God bless you both signing off
Luv from Oz

[athena-8]

Hi. I don't have an answer to your question, but I do want to tell you that if you ever decide to quit the xanax, DO NOT do it "cold turkey"....this is a potentially deadly way to quit this particular med. Best to work together w/ a trusted physician to taper off.
Good Luck!

--Athena

[manicxanax]

Thanks for the info, guys.  

I didn't know stopping the drug suddenly can kill you.  I will have to start tapering off right now, then, because I only have a handful of pills left.